Stithians, Cornwall

Stithiansis the largest inland water in West Cornwall, with something for everyone to enjoy: from fishing to footpaths, wildlife to watersports, and café to camping, the lake is both a hub of activity and a peaceful escape.

Walking at Stithians Lake

Located a few miles from the A30,the reservoir is surrounded by farmland and moorland, including a network of paths for tranquil or more active expeditions. There is a great walk from the café to the imposing Stithians dam. Take care: the route does involve a section of country lanes. There is also a 5 mile circular route which runs adjacent to the lake through meadows, wet woodland and heathland, which are environmentally managed by our dedicated Countryside Team.

The countryside is humming with wildlife; why not see if you can spot some birds from one of the three bird hides?

Enjoy the fantastic pirate-themed play area, where children can taste adventure by trying out the climbing boulder!

Activities at Stithians Lake

You can also get on the water or enjoy a camping break at Stithians Lake. With a range of activities including kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, windsurfing and sailing, our friendly activity team are on hand to help you discover an activity as a family, organised group or individual. Visit our swlakes website to find out more.

If you fancy a spot of fly-fishing, rainbow and brown trout are stocked throughout the season (mid-March to mid-November), with fly fishing permits available from the self-service permit hut on site. You can either fish from the bank or hire a boat and get out into the middle of the lake. Find out more here.

Refuel at Stithians Lake

Incorporate a visit to Café Lake Central into your day of exploring; with a warm welcome and authentic Italian treats, this is the perfect place to relax. Fresh water is always available for your four legged friends. For opening times, see the café’s Facebook page.

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Take a leisurely stroll around the two lakes and spot an abundance of wildlife which call Longham their home. Relax on the shorelines and take part in a spot of fishing; join one of the many community clubs which use the site, or simply make the most of the amazing photo opportunities at the lakes.Read more

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Stithians is the largest inland water in West Cornwall, with something for everyone to enjoy: from fishing to footpaths, wildlife to watersports, and café to camping, the lake is both a hub of activity and a peaceful escape.Read more

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Longham Lakes, located close to the idyllic town of Ferndown in Dorset, offers a fantastic day out for the whole family.
Take a leisurely stroll around the two lakes and spot an abundance of wildlife which call Longham their home. Relax on the shorelines and take part in a spot of fishing; join one of the many community clubs which use the site, or simply make the most of the amazing photo opportunities at the lakes.

Wimbleball is a hub of colour and activity throughout all the seasons. Nestled within the rolling hills of Exmoor National Park, there are plenty of ways to get active at Wimbleball. With an array of walking and cycling trails winding around the 530 acre site, and a fantastic range of watersports and other activities available, this is the perfect location to spend a day outdoors – whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging expedition.

Surrounded by British countryside and nestled on the Cornwall and Devon border, Upper and Lower Tamar Lakes are steeped in industrial history and rich in flora and fauna. This is an idyllic to spot to set the imagination free, stretch your legs and enjoy the peace that comes from being near water.

Surrounded by the striking backdrop of Bodmin Moor, Siblyback Lake lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). There is a beautiful 5km round lake circuit, which is perfect for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles. The path runs adjacent to the lake, and passes by the impressive Siblyback Dam and through woodlands.

Nestled in a valley just outside of Newquay, Porth Reservoir is a beautiful destination for a family day out, a spot of birdwatching, or angling. A designated bird sanctuary and a paradise for birdwatchers, you might spot owls, woodpeckers and kingfishers flying around.

Crowdy Reservoir lies within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on the northern tip of Bodmin Moor, designated for its fantastic habitats and associated wildlife. Located a few miles from Camelford, and near the North Cornwall coastal villages of Tintagel, Port Isaac and Boscastle, the reservoir is perfectly situated for a family day out.

Colliford is Cornwall’s largest inland water, with a surface area of a whopping 900 acres – that’s about 682 football pitches! Located just off the A30, the lake is a couple of miles south of Jamaica Inn, the famous smugglers’ haunt immortalised by Daphne du Maurier.

Most read

Roadford Lake sits within the stunning surroundings of the Wolf Valley, close to Launceston on the Cornwall border. One of the biggest and busiest inland waters in the South West, the lake is surrounded by a variety of natural habitats, including Culm Grasslands, woodlands, old pastures and orchards.

Lopwell Dam is a beautiful spot at any time of the year; the colours and views on display are simply breathtaking.
Near Plymouth, the Local Nature Reserve is home to a varied range of wildlife, both in and out of the water. Delve into Lopwell’s long history (all the way back to the 13th century!), and learn about how this peaceful haven was once a busy river quay that served Plymouth and London, with a mineshaft used for mining lead and silver.

We are dedicated to the protection of the natural environment found at our lakes and are passionate about people from all walks of life being able to benefit from the wonderful countryside around our lakes. From walking and cycling to angling and watersports, we offer fantastic opportunities for great days out and regular visits for health and well-being, discovering and exploring at lakes across the south west of England.

Near the idyllic village of Chagford, Fernworthy Reservoir is an archaeological jewel in the heart of Dartmoor National Park.
Walk through meadows, woodland and moorland, and take in the fascinating cultural heritage of ancient stone cairns, Bronze Age hut circles and submerged clapper bridges, while enjoying beautiful lakeside views.

As a charity always aiming to improve the environment and provide great facilities for informal and organised activities, we appreciate donations for where our need is greatest at the time. If you would like to support our work with a one-off or regular donation and are happy for us to decide where the need is greatest, please use the donation buttons below.

We have officially launched our new Friends of South West Lakes scheme, offering a new way for supporters to get involved with our charitable work.
This new approach offers a fresh perspective on being a ‘Friend’; crucially, it is more than ‘just a car parking pass’.